Method for altering plant flowering and sexual reproduction

ABSTRACT

A method for altering plant flowering and/or plant sexual reproduction involving application of an s-triazinedione such as 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methylthio-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione or 3(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione. A preferred use of the invention is to prevent corn inbreeding by applying the s-triazinedione to the plant shortly before or at tassel emergence.

United States Patent Fitzgerald et al. Aug. 5, 1975 [5 METHOD FOR ALTERING PLANT 3.040.044 6/l962 Hinsch et a]. 71/93 FLOWERING AND SEXUAL 3,462,257 8/1969 McVey et a]. 71/93 REPRODUCTION [75] lnventors: David Joseph itzge a Primary Examiner-James 0. Thomas, Jr,

Wilmington. Del; James Delbert Long, Elkton. Md.

[73] Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.,

Wilmington, Del. [57] ABSTRACT Filedi 1972 A method for altering plant flowering and/or plant [21] Appl No: 301,852 sexual reproduction involving application of an striazinedtone such as 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6- methylthio-s-triazine-2,4( lH,3H)-dione or 3-(4- [52] US. Cl 71/93; 7/1 chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)- Int Cl 9/22 dione. A preferred use of the invention is to prevent Field Of Search 47/141 corn inbreeding by applying the s-triazinedione to the plant shortly before or at tassel emergence. [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 6/i943 Burke i. 2601'243 31 Claims, No Drawings HETHOD FOR ALTERING PLANT FLOWERING Q AND SEXUAL REPRODUCTION Z BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known that certain s-triazines are herbicides. 5 Y Neumayer et al., Pesticides", Chemical Week, Apr. whfiliem l2 and 26, l969, lists several commercial and experi Y hydrogen, g n alkyl of I through 4 Carbon mental s-triazine herbicides. Among these are promemom$- of 1 through 4 Carbon atoms. tone and prometryne, which have the structural formualkylthlo of 1 through 4 Carbon atoms, cyuno OT me; It) fluoromethyl;

C 3 $014 A N N N N CH CH CH 3 /k l 9H3 HC N N N Cll HC N N CH l H H l H H I CH CH 3 3 CH3 CH3 prometone prometr'yne These and related compounds are disclosed in US. Z is y m halogen methyl, ethyl, nit"), meth- Pat. No. 2909.420. 3" 0r melhylthio; and

The s-triazines of this invention are also herbicides. Q ydrogen, halogen or methyl; The compounds and their use as herbicides are dis- R2 IS hydrogen, or a group closed and claimed in application of Fuchs and Lin, U.S. Ser. No. 181,202, filed Sept. 16, l97l, now aban- AC doned. N

It has now been discovered that the compounds also 0 are useful as plant regulants in that they alter plant flowering and/or plant sexual reproduction. where A is alkyl of 1 through 3 carbon atoms or alkoxy or alkylthio of I through 4 carbon atoms, or a SUMMARY OF HIHE INVENTION cation selected from lithium, sodium, potassium, This invention is a method of altering plant flowering l i magnesium, b i 0r and/or plant sexual reproduction which comprises applying an s-triazincdione to the plant in an amount which is effective to alter flowering and/or sexual re- T production of the plant without causing substantial foliar burn. chlorosis or necrosis, the s-triazine dione being a compound of the formula: where R R and R; can be the same or different and each can be hydrogen, alkyl of I through 4 carbon X atoms, or hydroxy alkyl of 2 through 4 carbon 5 atoms; and R is hydrogen, alkyl of l through 12 carbon atoms, or benzyl; R and R can be taken 8 -11 H together to form a ring that is -(CH 1 ,O(CH or (CH where n is 4-6 and R and R are H; 1 R3 R;; is SR or 0R where, when R is phenyl or substi R tuted phenyl, R is methyl or ethyl, and when R is 2 other than phenyl or substituted phenyl, R is alkyl of I through 6 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3 through 6 carbon atoms, alkenyl of 3 through 4 carbon atoms, alkynyl of 3 through 4 carbon wherein atoms, or benzyl, and

R, is a straight chain alkyl of l through 3 carbon X d X are Oxygen of lf atoms, a branched Chain alkyl 0f 3 through 3 Preferred because of high activity and relatively low bon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3 through 8 Car n m phytotoxicity are those compounds of Formula I where cycloalkylalkyl of 4 through 7 carbon atoms, alke- R, i h l or b i d h as given above, nyl of 3 through 4 HI' atoms y yl 0f 3 More preferred because of higher activity are those thr ug 4 Ca ammfi, benlyl 0r compounds of the preferred Scope where Y is hydrogen. halogen or methyl.

2 is halogen, and

Q is hydrogen.

Most preferred because of highest activity are 7. 3-( 4-fl uorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione 8. 3-( 2,4-dichlorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione 9. 3-( Z-methylphenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dionei A preferred embodiment of this invention is a from thiopseudourea (Equation 1) can be performed analogous to a procedure given in Organic Synthesis 42, 87, which describes the preparation of methyl 4- phenyl-3-thioallophanimidate l-phenyl-2-thio-4- methylisobiuret).

The reaction products of Equation l are reacted at about (J-45C in a solvent. e.g. methylene chloride: with one equivalent of a chloroformate or a chlorothiolformatc in the presence of one equivalent of a base such as triethylamine (Equations 2a and 2b). After completion of the reaction, the methylene chloride solution is washed with water dried, and the solvent evaporated to give alkoxycarbonylallophanimidates, alkylthiolcarbonylallophanimidates, alkoxycarbonylthioallophanimidates, alkylthiolcarbonylthioallophanimidates, alkoxycarbonyldithioallophanimidates and alkylthiolcarbonyldithioallophanimidates. Using a chlorodithioformate in the above reaction affords the corresponding alkylthiolthiocarbonylallophanimidates, alkylthiolthiocarbonylthioallophanimidates and alkylthiolthiocarbonyldithioallophanimidates.

The reaction products of Equation (2a) and Equation (2b) are than refluxed for a sufficient time with a base such as sodium methoxide in methanol to effect method of Preventing f P f of com which 25 cyclization (Equations 3a and 3b). The solvent is then prises applying an smazmedlone Formula I to the evaporated under vacuum and the residue dissolved in e before or at tassel we f m Sufi water. Acidification of the aqueous solution usually cient to prevent self-fertilization but insufficient to precipitates the desired s triazinediones Cause substamlal fohar chimes; or necros's' triazinediones or s-triazinedithioncs as an substantially DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 30 P solld- The reaction products of Equations (2a) and (2b) The cempounds of Formula can be made by the are also obtained by reacting the pseudourea or thiopprocess llustrated by the following equations: seudourea first with a chloroformate, a chlorothiolfor- R3 X1 R3 1) I II I NH- ,C=NH R|NCX,- R N-Cg-C=NH H I s 0 i a ii i ll C2"; MN ii I a] R,-NCNC=NH ClC-OCH R,NCN-C=N-C-OCH,1 H H H H II X, R X3 X1 x u (claim it 1 i b) R|NC-N =NH+ C|CSCH;,' R,NH-CNHC=N-CSCH;,

R m 5 a) u H OH N CN C=NC-OCH; H H i| CH ONa 1k 0 x, E n

x R x u I" n cHtsH L b) R-NCNC=NC :4 I

CH'()NR H H l wherein R R X and X are as previously defined The synthesis of allophanimidates and 3-thioallophanimidates from pseudourea and the synthesis of l-thioallophanimidates and l 3-dithioallophanimidates mate or a chlorodithioformate as in Equations (4a) and (4b), and then reacting the reaction products of Equations (4a) and (4b) with an isocyanate or isothiocyahate as in Equations (5a) and (5b).

1 1 aunphcaws.

wherein R R;,. X and X: are as previously defined.

Reacting the intermediate allophanimidates of equation (1) with phosgene or thiophosgene at temperatures of to 100C also gives the s-triazinediones of this invention:

The s-triazinediones form salts which are useful alone or can be reacted with an acyl chloride, and alkylchloroformate. or an alkyl chlorothiolformate to give l-substituted analogs as illustrated by the following wherein A is an alkyl, alkylthio, or alkoxy group.

The following examples are offered to illustrate the processes described above. All parts are parts by weight unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE 1 3tert-Butyl-6-methylthio-s-triazirie-Z,4( lH.3H)-dione To a solution of 139 parts of Z-methyl-Z- thiopseudourea sulfate in 1000 parts of 50% aqueous methanol at 0C is added dropwise 88 parts of 50% sodium hydroxide. followed by 90 parts tert-butyl isocyanate in 200 parts tetrahydrofuran. The solution is concentrated at reduced pressure and filtered to yield, after drying. 90 parts of methyl 4-tert-butyll -thioallophanimidate melting at 102l04C.

To a solution of 5.67 parts of the above compound and 4 parts of triethylamine in 50 parts methylene chloride at 0C is added dropwise 3.3 parts methyl chlorothiolformate in 5 parts of methylene chloride. The solution is stirred overnight and washed once with water. After drying and evaporation of the solvent, there is obtained 3.8 parts methyl 4-tert-butyl-N- methylthiolcarbonyl-l-thioallophanimidate melting at 102l05C.

A solution of five parts of the above compound in 50 parts of methanol containing 3 parts of sodium methox-' ide is refluxed for one hour. The reaction mixture is then cooled and the methanol is evaporated at reduced pressure. One hundred parts of water are added and the solution twice extracted with 50 parts of ether. The aqueous layer is then neutralized at 0 to 5C with hydrochloric acid and extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extract is dried and the solvent 6 evaporated to give 3 parts of 3-tert-butyl-fi-methylthios-triazine-2,4( lH.3H)-dione. melting at I l2"-l 15C.

EXAMPLE 2 3-lsopropyl-6-methylthio-s-triazine-2.4( ll-L3H )-dione To a solution of 69.5 parts of 2-methyl-2- thiopseudourea sulfate and 47 parts of methyl chloroformate in 1000 parts of water at 0C is added dropwise 5619 parts of potassium hydroxide in 200 parts of water. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and then extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extract is dried and the solvent evaporated at reduced pressure to give 45 g of methyl N-( l-amino-1-methylthiomethylene)carbamate melting at 72-77C.

A solution of seventy-four parts of the above compound and 47 parts of isopropyl isocyanate in 300 parts methylene chloride is stirred overnight. The solvent is evaporated to give 113.6 parts of methyl 4-isopropyl- N-methoxycarbonyl-l-thioallophanimidate melting at 129-l32C.

A solution of one hundred parts of the above compound in 200 parts of methanol containing 27 parts of sodium methoxide is refluxed for 1 hour. The methanol is evaporated under vacuum and the residue dissolved in 200 parts of water. The aqueous solution is neutralized with hydrochloric acid to afford after filtration and drying 55 parts of 3-isopropyl-6-methylthio-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione melting at 188l90C.

EXAMPLE 3 3-Methyl-6-methylthio-s-triazine-Z,4( l H,3H )-dione To a solution of 69.5 parts of 2-methyl-2- thiopseudourea sulfate and l 10 parts of methyl chlorothiolformate in 500 ml of water is added dropwise at 0-5C 120 parts of 50% sodium hydroxide. The reaction mixture is stirred at 0-5C for 1 hour and then at room temperature for 2 hours. The solution is then extracted with methylene chloride and the organic extract dried and evaporated under vacuum to give 47 parts of methyl N-(l-amino-1-methylthiornethylene)- thiolcarbamate melting at 76C.

To a solution of 8.2 parts of the above compound in 75 parts of methylene chloride is added 3.1 parts of methyl isocyanate. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 3 hours, and then the olvent evaporated under vacuum to give 10 parts of methyl 4-methyl-N-methylthiolcarbonyl- 1 -thio1a1loph mimidate melting at l l5-l17C.

A solution of six parts of the above compound in 75 parts of methanol containing 4.5 parts sodium methoxide is refluxed for 1 hour. The methanol is evaporated and the residue dissolved in water. The aqueous solution is then neutralized with hydrochloric acid at O-5C. The precipitate is collected by filtration and dried to give 2.3 parts of 3-methyl-6-methylthio-striazine-2.4( lH,3H)-dione melting at 243244C.

EXAMPLE 4 3-( p-Chlorophenyl G-methyIthio-s-triazine-2,4- lH,3H)-dione To a solution of 148 parts of methyl N-( l-amino-lmethylthiomethylene)-carbamate, prepared as in Example 2, in 2,000 parts methylene chloride is added 154 parts of p-chlorophenyl isocyanate. The reaction is stirred for 3 days. Then to it is added 54 parts of sodium methoxidc in 540 parts of methanol. The reaction mixture is then refluxed for l hour. The reaction mass is cooled, and 2,000 parts of ether are added. The solid collected by filtration is dissolved in water and the solution neutralized with hydrochloric acid. The new solid thus formed is collected, dried, and recrystallized from ethanol/H O to give 140 parts of 3-( p-chlorophenyl )-6- methylthios-triazine-2,4( lH,3H)-dione melting at 292-295C.

EXAMPLE 5 3-sec-Butyl-6-methylthio-s-triazine-2,4( l H,3H )-dione To a solution of 7.2 parts of methyl N-( l-amino-lmethylthiomethylene )carbamate, prepared as in Example 2, in 50 parts of methylene chloride is added 5.5 parts of sec-butyl isocyanate. The reaction mixture is stirred overnight and the solvent evaporated to give 12 parts of crude methyl 4-sec-butyl-N-methoxycarbonyll-thioallophanimidate melting at lO2"-l04C.

The above product is refluxed for l hour in l50 parts of methanol containing 6 parts of sodium methoxide. The solvent is evaporated under vacuum and the residue is dissolved in I00 parts of water. The aqueous solution is extracted with methylene chloride and the aqueous layer than neutralized at O--5C with hydrochloric acid. The aqueous solution is extracted again with methylene chloride. The extract is dried and the methylene chloride evaporated to give 7 parts of a solid melting at l24l32C. Recrystallization from chlorobutane gives 4 parts of 3-sec-butyl-6-methylthio-striazine-2,4( lH,3H)-dione. melting at l33.5-l35.5C.

EXAMPLE 6 S-(p-Chlorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4( 1H,3H dionc To 52 parts of Z-methylpseudourea hydrogen sulfate in 250 parts of water at O5C is added 31 parts of methyl chloroformate followed by dropwise addition of 74 parts of 50% sodium hydroxide. The reaction mass is stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and then extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extract is dried and the solvent evaporated. The residue is triturated with hexane to give 23 parts of methyl N-( l-aminol -methoxy-methylene )-carbamate melting at 3639.5C.

To l3 parts of the compound prepared above in 200 ml of methylene chloride is added parts of pchlorophenyl isocyanate. The reaction mass is stirred overnight. The solvent is evaporated and the residue refluxed overnight in lOO parts of l()% sodium methoxide in methanol. Water is added and the solution neutralized with hydrochloric acid. The crude solid collectcd by filtration is recrystallized from acetonitrile to give 7 parts of 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-striazine-2,4( lH,3H)-dione melting at 23824lC.

EXAMPLE 7 3-( 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione EXAMPLE 8 3-( o- Fluorophen yl )-6-methylthio-s-triazine- 2,4( IH.3H )-dione To a solution of l6 parts of methyl N-( l-amino-lmethylthiomethylene )carbamate, prepared as in Example 2, in ISO parts of methylene chloride is added 15 parts of o-fluorophenyl isocyanate. The reaction mixture is stirred overnight and the solvent evaporated to give after trituration with hexane 29 parts of methyl 4- (o-fluorophenyl)-N-methoxycarbonyll -thioallophanimidate melting at l23l25C.

Sixteen parts of the above product are refluxed for 1 hour in ISO parts of methanol containing 9 parts of sodium methoxide. The solvent is evaporated under vacuum and the residue is dissolved in 200 parts of water. The aqueous solution is extracted with methylene chloride and the aqueous layer then neutralized at 0-5C. with hydrochloric acid. The precipitate is collected and dried to give I l parts of 3-(o-fluorophenyl)-6- methylthio-s-triazine-Z.4( l H.3H)-dione melting at l96l99C.

EXAMPLE 9 The following s-triazinediones can be prepared by the procedure of Example 2 by substituting the listed Z-substituted thiopseudoureas and pseudoureas, for

2-methyl-2-thiopseudourea, by using various chloroformates and by replacing isopropyl isocyanatc with various isocyanates or isothiocyanates.

Thiopscudourea or Pseudourea lsocyanate or lsothiocyzmate Fr u rmates S-Triuzincdioncs Z'methyI-Zlhi0pseudourea ethyl isocyanate ally! isocyanate methyl chloroforrnatc 3-ethyl-6-methylthio-s-triazine-2.44 lH,3H )-dione mp.

aonliniicd lhiopscuduuruii lsoeyunntu or or Psuuilouruii lsothiuc iinute Formulas s lriiizincclinncs J 2-cthylpseudourcu 2-chloro-5- 3-( 2-chloro-5-methuxyphcnyl )-6-ethoxy-s-tria2inenelhoxyphenyl 2.4( lH,3H l-dione isocyaniite -mcth)l- -methyl-4-hromophcnyl l- -ethoxy-s-triazine-2.4( lH.3H lhmmophenyl dione isocyanute 2-bromo-4-nitrophenyl 3-( 2-bromo-4-nitrophcnyl )-6-i:thoxy-s-triazinc-2.4( I H.3H

isocyanate dione 2-nitro-4-chlorophcnyl 3-( 2-nitro-4-ehlorophcnyl J-fi-cthoxy-s-triuzine-Z.4( lH.3H

isocyanute dionc QA-dichlorophenyl 3-( 2.4-dichlorophenyll-fi-elhoxy-s-triazine-LM lH.3H i-dinne isocyanate Z-mcthylpseudourea 2.4-dibromophenyl 3-(2.4-dihromophunyl )b-rnethoxy-s-triazine-2.4[ lH.3H I- isocyanate dione 2.5-dichloro-4- nitrophenyl isocyanate 3 ,4-diethoxyphenyl isocyanute 2.4difluorophenyl isocyanate 2.5-dimethoxyphenyl isocyunate 3.5-dinitrophenyl isocyanate 2-fluoro-4.6- dinitrophenyl isocyanate 3-nitro-4-fluorophenyl isocyanate 2-methyI-4- methoxyphenyl isocyanate 2-methoxy-4- nilrophenvl isocvanate 2,4.5-trichloropheny] 3-( 2,5-dichloro-4-iiitrophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 3-( 3 .4-dicthoxyphenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triuzine-24( lH.3H

dione dione if 2.5-dimethoxyphenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triuzine-2.4( lH.3H

34 3 .5-dinitrophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2.4( 1 H.3H1-dione 3-( 2-fluoro-4.-dinitrophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2.4( lH,3H)-dione 3-( 3-nitro-4-fluorophi:nyl J-6-rnethoxy-s-triazinc-Z .4( lH,3H dione 3-( 2-meth)'l-4-methoxyphenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 3-( 2 methoxy4-nitrophenyl J-(i-methoxy-s-triazine- 14 lH.3H )-dione 3-( 2.4.5-trichlorophenyl )-()-methoxy-s-triazine2i4( lH BH isocyanate dione 2.4.6trimethylphenyl 3-(2,4.6 trimethylphenyl )'6-methoXy-s'triazine-2.4( lH.3H

isocyanatc dione EXAMPLE l 3 l 6 h l hi i i z 4( IH3H di Lithium i-isopropyl-h-methyllhiu-s-triazine-l,4-( lH.3H

lone To a Solution of 13 pang of 2 h 2 Potassium 3-isoprupyl-6-methylthio-s-triazinc-Z,4 lH,3H]-

' dione thio seudourea sulfate in 500 arts water 15 added Calcium bis-34tcrt-hutyl)-o-methylthio-s triazine-2.4( lH.3H)-

? P O O h d I t ione 80 parts 50% sodmm hydroxlde at 0 10 c 51E Magnesium bis-34tert-butylJ6-methylthio s-triazine-2 4( lHBHisand parts of acetone are added followed by a ropwise dime addition of 85 parts of isopropyl isocyanate at 0C. The Barium gis-f -(tcrt-hutyl)-6-methylthio-s-triazine-2 4( lH,3H

. y 4 10m: reaction mmture 5 anowed to warm to room temper? 0 Sodium 3-(m-trifluoromcthylphenyl)-fi-methylthio-s-triazine ture in 2 hours. The acetone is evaporated and the solid 2,4 IHJH -diimc H 3-- l l-(- r t -2.4- l .3H is filtered and dried to give 150 parts mtthyl0 4 5mm?" gg gg g mcth lihio s In mm iso ro 'l-l-thioallo hanimidate melting at 8l 85 C. Sodium hen IH,mcmykhioimrmine p p8 p I00 f 1 4( 1H iii d' y i0uc I e in arts 0 -l n ione. D To a of 39 l of phosgen b p Sodium 34Z methyl-S-chlorophenylJ-fi-methylthios-triazine benzene 15 added dropwise 8.7 parts of the a ove com- 3UUDC pound in parts of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction Sodium 3-13-chlgfiwzimcthylpahcng)- -m hyl hioslriazinc- 24HH. ione. ()(l mixture ls heated to reflux cogled and pans of 50% Sodium 3-4 2.6-dichlorophenyl )-6-m1:th vlthiWsJriaZinesodium hydroxide in IOU parts of water added. After 2.4(lH,3H)-dione. 3 u()c v heating the solution to reflux the benzene layer is dis- 504mm gfi y y fl mc- .4-( |H,3H)-dione,

a )l Carded and the Q layer 15 neutralized Wlth y 50 Sodium 3-cycloheptyl-6melhylthio-s-triazincfl.4-( iiisii a Q chloric acid to give after filtration and drying 2 parts of dione. 300 C, 3-isopropyl 6-methylthio-s-triazine-2,4-( l H,3H )-dione melting at l88l90C. EXAMPLE 12 Ammonium EXAMPLE I l 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4( l H,3H)-

Sodium dione 3-isopropyl-6-methylthio-s-triazine-2,4-( IH,3H )-di0ne To a solution of L6 parts of sodium methoxide in 20 parts of methanol is added 6.6 parts of 3-isopropyl-6- methylthio-s-triazine-2.4(lH,3H)-dione. The solution is evaporated under vacuum and the white solid is triturated with methylene chloride and filtered to give 5.5 parts of sodium 3-isopropyl--methylthio-s-triazine 2 4( lH,3l-I)-dione melting above 300C.

Similarly, the following s-triazinedione salts can be prepared by using the appropriate starting materials.

To a mixture of 10 parts of 3-( p-chlorophenyl-fimethoxy-s-triazine-2,4( lH,3l-l)-dione and parts of methanol is added 1 part of ammonia gas at 20C. The solution is stirred for 30 minutes and then evaporated under vacuum to give [0.6 parts of ammonium 3-(pchlorophenyl )-6-methoxys-triazinc-2,4( l H.3H dione.

Similarly, the following s-triazinedione amine salts can he prepared by using the appropriate starting materials 3-( p-chloropheny l )-6-methoxy-s-tria/ine- 2.-$( lH,3H )-tlione methylammonium tri-( 'l-hydroxyethyl lummonium 3-isopropyl-h-ethoxy-s-triazine-2.4-

(lH.3l-l l-dione dimethplammonium cthylummonium morpholinium piperidinium butylarnmonium 3-( p-chlurphen \l )-6-methylthio-striazinu-ZAl lH.3H )-dione di-sec-butyl-ammonium diethylammonium propylammonium hexahydroazepidinium 3-isopropy l-b-mcthoxy -s-triazine- 2.4( l H.3H i dione pyrrolidinium tetraethylammonium trimethylammonium 3-( Z-mcthyl-tchlorophenyl l-fi-methoxy -smarine-14 lH.3H )-dione tetramethylarnmoniurn dodecyltrirnethylammunium Z-hydroxyethylammonium benzy lammonium bcnzyltrimethylammonium triethylammonium EXAMPLE l3 l-Acctyl-3-isopropyl-6-methylthio-s-triazine- 2,4( lH.3H)-dione To 9.0 parts sodium 3-isopropyl-6-methylthio-stria2ine2.4( lH,3H)-dione prepared as in Example 10 in 100 parts tetrahydrofuran can be added 3.l parts acetyl chloride. The reaction can be refluxed for hours and the solvent evaporated. Methylene chloride can be added to the residue and the solution can be washed with lN sodium hydroxide and brine. After drying and evaporation of the solvent, the residue can be recrystallized from chlorobutane.

Similarly, the following s-triazinediones can be prepared by using appropriate starting materials.

3-lsopropyl-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2.4( l H.3H J-dionc A solution of 23 parts of methyl N-(l-amin0-lmethoxymethylenel-Carbamatc. 16 part of isopropyl isocyanate 60 parts of methylene chloride, and a calm lytic amount of dimethylformamidc and tricthylaminc is allowed to stand at room temperature for 3 days. The solvent is evaporated to afford 33 parts of crude methyl 4-isopropyl-N-methoxycarbonylallophanimidate, an oil, N L482 A solution of 9 parts of the above compound. 10 parts of sodium methoxide, and 100 parts of methanol is refluxed for l hr. The solvent is removed under vacuum. Water is then added to the residue. After extraction with methylene chloride, the aqueous layer is neutralized at 5l0C. Filtration affords 3 parts of crude solid, which is recrystallized from acetonitrile to give 2 parts of 3-isopropyl-4 me'thoxy-s-triazine-2.4t lH,3H)- dione, m.p. l95200C.

EXAMPLE l5 3-lsopropyl-o-ethoxy-s-triazine-2,4-( lH,3H )-dionc To ll4 parts of Z-methylpseudourea sulfate in 400 parts of water at 0C is added I06 parts of 50% sodium hydroxide. followed by 400 parts of acetone, and 51 parts of isopropyl isocyanate. The reaction mixture is allowed to come to room temperature in 3 hrs. The organic solvent is then evaporated under vacuum, the aqueous residue saturated with sodium chloride, and the mixture extracted with methylene chloride. The organic extract is dried and the methylene chloride evaporated to yield 78 parts of methyl 4-isopropylallophanimidate. mp. (T4O(77OC.

To a solution of 32 parts of the above compound and 24 parts of triethylamine at 0C is added 27 parts of ethyl chlorothiolformate. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature overnight. Water is added and the methylene chloride layer is separated and dried. The methylene chloride is then evaporated to yield 64 parts of crude methyl 4-isopropyl-N- ethylthiolcarbonylallophanimidate, an oil.

A solution of 64 parts of the above compound, 40 parts of sodium methoxide, and 500 parts of ethanol is refluxed for l hour. Ethanol is then rem ved under vacuum and water is added to the residue. After extrac tion with methylene chloride, the aqueous layer is neutralized at Sl0C. with concentrated hydrochloric acid to yield after filtration 8 parts of a solid. which is recrystallized from a mixture of carbontctrachloride/acetonitrile to give 2 parts of 3-isoprortvl-6- ethoxy-striazine-2,4-( lH,3HJ dione, mp.

ll7lC. The methoxy group in the starting material is replaced by an ethoxy group during the "eaction in the ethanol solvent.

Formulation of the Compounds Formulations of the compounds of Formula 1 for use in this invention can be prepared in conventional ways. They include dusts, granules, pellets, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, wettable powders, emulsifiable concentratcs and the like. Many of these may be applied directly. Sprayable formulations can be extended in suitable media and used at spray volumes of from a few ho pints to several hundred gallons per acre. High strength compositions are primarily used as intermediates for further formulation. The formulations, broadly. contain about l to 99% by weight of active ingrcdientls) and at least one of {at about (Ll to 20% surfactantts) and (b) about 5 to 995 1 solid or liquid diluentl s l. More specifically, they will contain these ingredients in the following appioximatc proportions:

Percent [1 Weight Active Surfaclngrcdient Dilucnu s) tantl s) Wettablc Powders 2(k90 0-7-1 Oil Suspensions. Emulsions, Solutions (including Emulsifiable Concentrates) 5-50 40-95 0-[5 Aqueous Suspensions [0-50 40-84 Dusts 70-99 0-5 Granules and Pellets [-95 5-99 0-[5 High Strength Compositions 90-99 0-10 0-2 Lower or higher levels of active ingredient can, of course, be present depending on the intended use and the physical properties of the compound. Higher ratios of surfactant to active ingredient are sometimes desirable, and are achieved by incorporation into the formulation or by tank mixing. Lower concentrations of active ingredient can aid in accurate application at the very low ratio reached for this invention. Sprayable and dust formulations are preferred.

As indicated above, the compounds of the invention form salts which have enhanced solubility in water or organic solvents. They may be prepared, isolated and formulated as noted above, or salt formation may be an integral part of the formulation procedure.

Typical solid diluents are described in Watkins, et al., Handbook of Insecticide Dust Diluents and Carriers, 2nd. Edn., Dorland Books, Caldwell, NJ. The more absorptive diluents are preferred for wettable powders and the denser ones for dusts. Typical liquid diluents and solvents are described in Marsden, Solvents Guide, 2nd. Edn., lnterscience, New York, [950. Solubility under 0.1% is preferred for suspension concentrates; solution concentrates are preferably stable against phase separation at 0C. McCutcheons Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual, Allured Publ. Corp., Ridgewood, N..l., as well as Sisely and Wood, Encyclopedia of Surface Active Agents", Chemical Publ. Co., lnc., New York, [964, list surfactants and recommended uses. All formulations can contain minor amounts of additives to reduce foam, caking, corrosion, microbiological growth, etc.

The methods of making such compositions are well known. Solutions are prepared by simply mixing the ingredients. Fine solid compositions are made by blending and, usually, grinding as in a hammer or fluid energy mill. Suspensions are prepared by wet milling (see, for example, Littler, US. Pat. No. 3,060,084). Granules and pellets may be made by spraying the active material upon preformed granular carriers or by agglomeration techniques. See J. E. Browning, Agglomeration, Chemical Engineering, Dec. 4, [967, pp. l47ff. and Perry's Chemicial Engineers Handbook", 4th. Edn., McGraw-Hill, N.Y., [963, pp. 8-59ff.

For further information regarding the art of formulation, see for example:

H. M. Loux, US. Pat. No. 3,235,3ol, Feb. [5, [966,

Col. 6, Line [6 through Col. 7, Line [9 and Examples [0 through 4[.

R. W. Luckcnbaugh, US. Pat. No. 3,309,[92, Mar. I4, [967, Col. 5 Line 43 through Col. 7 Line 62 and Ex. 8, [2, [5, 39, 41, 52, 53.58.132, [38-140, l62-l64, [66, [67, l69-l32.

H. Gysin and E. Knusli, US. Pat. No. 2,891,855, June 23, [959, Col. 3 Line 66 through Col. 5 Line l7 and Examples [-4.

G. C. Klingman, Wccd Control as a Science", John Wiley 6?. Sons, lnc., New York. [96[ pp. 81-96. J. D. Fryer and S. A. Evans, Weed Control Handbook". 5th Edn. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, [968, pp. l0l-l03.

EXAMPLE [6 Wcttablc Powder Percent 3-( 4-chlorophcnyl )-6-mcthoxy-s-triazine- 2 M [H.3H)-dione 4(1 dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinatc [.5 sodium ligninsulfonatc 3 low viscosity methyl cellulose [.5 attapulgitc 54 Thoroughly blend the ingredients then pass through an air mill to produce an average particle size under 1 5 microns. Reblend and sift through a U.S.S. No. 50 sieve (0.3 mm opening) before packaging.

All compounds of the invention may be formulated in the same manner.

EXAMPLE [7 High Strength Concentrate Percent 3-( 4-chlorophenyl )-6-methylthio-striazine-2.4( lH.3H)-dionc 98.5 silica acrogel 0.5 synthetic amorphous fine silica [.0

Blend and grind the ingredients in a hammer mill to produce a high strength concentrate essentially all passing a U.S.S. No. 50 sieve (0.3 mm openings). This material may then be formulated in a variety of ways.

EXAMPLE [8 Dust Percent high strength concentrate, Example 14 25.4 pyrophyllitc, powdered 74.6

Thoroughly blend the ingredients and package for use.

EXAMPLE [9 Aqueous Suspension Percent 3-( 2-fl uorophenyl )-6-methylthio-s-triazine- 2,4( lH.3H)-dione 25 hydrated attapulgitc 3 crude calcium ligninsulfonate [0 sodium dihydrogen phosphate 0.5 water 615 Grind the ingredients together in a sand mill until the solid particles have been reduced to diameters under [0 microns.

Combine the ingredients and stir to produce a solu tion which can be applied directly at low volume or extended with water.

EXAMPLE 21 Oil Suspension Percent triuLineQAl lHJ-H l-dionc Z5 polyoyycthylene sorbitol hctaoleatc 5 7t! highly aliphatic hydrocarbon oil Use of the invention This invention can be used to facilitate the production of many hybrid crops. For example, in the production of hybrid corn, it can be used to prevent inbreeding. An s-triazinedione of formula I is applied to the corn plant. to be used as the female parent, preferably in a spray or dust formulation, shortly before or at tassel emergence. This treatment substantially prevents pollen shed and may also destroy pollen viability, thus making it unnecessary to detassel. The invention can be used in a similar manner to prevent inbreeding of other crop plants, e.g. wheat, rice, and soybeans, by treating the plants at or near flowering with an s-triazinedione of the formula I.

The invention can also be used to alter fruit set pattern of various crops such as cotton, tomatoes, citrus fruit, peaches, and apples. In these crops it is often desirable to prevent late fruit set or development in order to facilitate mechanical harvesting, and/or eliminate the necessity of thinning. This can be accomplished by applying an s-triazinedione of formula I to the plant after the desired amount of fruit set has taken place.

Another use for the invention is to prevent asparagus seed development. Asparagus plants are male or female. Female plants are about 2W7? less productive than male plants, because of the energy utilized in seed development. By spraying the male plants at or just before flowering with a formulation of an s-triazinedione of formula I, fertilization and seed development can be substantialy reduced or prevented, thus increasing yield of the female plants. Prevention of asparagus seed development is also desirable because otherwise the seeds are dropped, geminatc, and the seedlings become a weed problem for the mature plants.

Presently in new strawberry plantings, the flowers are pinched off during the first year in order to prevent fruit set. Fruit hinders development of the strawberry plant bed. By use of this invention, i.c. by applying an s-triazinedione to the plants at or near flowering, the need for hand-pinching the flower buds can be eliminated.

Another use of the invention is to prevent fruit set or seed development in certain crops which are not harvested for fruit or seed. For example, by applying one of the s-triazines to potato plants at or near flowering, fruit and seed development which interfere with tuber development, can be prevented.

Still another use for the invention is to control pollen development and/or release in certain noxious weeds, e.g. ragweed.

In this invention the s-triazinedioncs of formula I are applied to the plant in an amount which is sufficient to produce the desired change in flowering and/or sexual reproduction, but which is insufficient to cause substantial foliar burn, chlorosis, or necrosis. The s triazinediones vary in degree of phytotoxicity, and the phytotoxicity of a given s-triazinedione varies with the plant species. Thus, it is not possible to state a range of application rates which will be applicable for all striazinediones and all plant species. In general, rates in the range of about 0.1 to l() kg/ha. will be used. The permissible rates for any combination of s triazinedione and plant species can be readily established empirically.

The capability of 3-(p-chlorophcnyl)-6-methoxy-striazine-2,4(lH,3H)-dione and related compounds of formula I to affect flowering and sexual reproduction of plants is shown in the following tests:

A. Foliar sprays of 3 (p-chlorophenyl )-o-methoxy-s triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione on Tenderette bush snap beans in the bud stage prevented fruit set 4 weeks with little effect on vegetative growth. Plants were about 23 days old and 25 to 30 cm tall when sprayed. Data from greenhouse tests are summarized below.

dione Table l Continued Average Yield methylthio-s-triazine- Compound IV 3-( 4-chloro-2-methyl- .44 4C.7G.DF phenyl )-6-methylth1o- -s-triazine-2.4-

B Foliar bum A Growth acceleration G Growth retarded DF Fruiting reduced C Chlorosis-necrosis l Increased green color S Albinism X Axillary stimulation no effect. it) maximum response B. Tiny Tim tomatoes with flower buds present were we c a m sprayed as above. One plant was treated at each rate A method for Preventing Pollen shed in p P and results ar indic t d b l w; 25 which comprises applying an s-triazinedione to the Table 2 Rate Response Ratings Number of Fruit Per Plant kg/ha. 19 Days 47 Days I; Days 47 Days 73 Days 1.1 3C.2S 2C,1A 0 0 o .27 2c.1s lC.2A 0 0 1 .07 0 3A 0 0 12 0 u 0 21 See footnote in Table l.

C. Field corn (variety Funk 0-4697) was treated at plant in an amount which is effective to prevent pollen either one week before tassel emergence or at tassel shed without causing substantial foliar burn, chlorosis, emergence with an overall spray of 3-(por necrosis, the s-triazinedione being a compound of chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4( lH,3H)-dione the f ulaI in water containing a wetting agent (0.1% of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate Untreated ears of corn x were bagged before the silks emerged, then exposed N only to tassels of treated plants. (The tassels were man- R -N I ually shaken over the ears.) Appropriate controls were k included. as shown in the table below. The cars were x1 N R3 allowed to mature, harvested, weighed without drying, and the percent kernel filling estimated. R2

wherein R] is Percent Time of Rule Green Wt, of Kernel Q Treatment Treatment kgjha 5 Ears. kg. Filling 0w .27 6.2 55 Z AT .37 7.4 (I8 ow .54 6.1 56 Y AT .54 5.6 411 ow 1.1 5.1 31 ST l- 60 wherein w .2 AT 22 2'3 2 Y 15 hydrogen, halogen, alkyl of 1 through 4 carbon pobmycmyp w (3.9 as atoms, nitro, alkoxy of I through 4 carbon atoms.

1 fignitzuirsr AT 7-0 76 alkylthio of I through 4 carbon atoms, cyano, or Untreated 1 M) 74 trtfluoromethyl; Bagged and Not 2.3 (J pgllenutgd Z y g halogen, methyl, ethyl, mtro. methoxy, or methylthio; and ow 0m Week before tassel emergence. O is hydrogen, halogen, or methyl;

AT A1 tassel emergence. R2 i hyd g or a g p where A is alkyl of l through 3 carbon atoms or alkoxy or alkylthio of 1 through 4 carbon atoms, or a cation selected from lithium, sodium, potassium. calcium, magnesium. barium, or

where R.,, R and R-, can be the same or different and each can be hydrogen, alkyl of 1 through 4 carbon atoms, or hydroxy alkyl of 2 through 4 carbon atoms; and R is hydrogen, alkyl of l through 12 carbon atoms, or benzyl; R and R can be taken together to form a ring that is '(CH2)2 0(CHg. or (CH,),, where n is 4-6 and R and R are H;

R,, is SR or OR, where R, is methyl or ethyl, and

X and X are oxygen or sulfur.

2. Method of claim 1 wherein Y is hydrogen, halogen or methyl, Z is halogen and Q is hydrogen.

3. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 4-( chlorophenyl )-6-methylthio-s-triazine- 4. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 4-chlorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4( lH,3H dione.

5. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-bromophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4( 1H,3H dionc.

6. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 3 ,4-difluorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 7. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-methylphenyl J-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4( l H,3H dione,

8. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 2-chlorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4( lH,3H dione.

9. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 4-fluorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4( lH,3H dione,

10. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 2,4-dichlorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( 1 H,3H)-dione.

11. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 2-methylphenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4( lH,3H dione,

12. Method of claim 1 where the crop is a cereal grain crop.

13. Method of claim 12 where the crop is com.

14. Method of claim 12 where the crop is rice.

15. Method of claim 12 where the crop is wheat.

16. Method for preventing inbreeding of corn to facilitate the production of hybrid corn seed which comprises applying an s-triazinedione to the corn before or at tassel emergence in an amount sufficient to prevent self-fertilization but insufficient to cause substantial foliar burn, chlorosis, or necrosis, the s-triazinedione being a compound of the formula l R i s x; f Rs wherein R is wherein Y is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl of I through 4 carbon atoms, nitro, alkoxy of 1 through 4 carbon atoms, alkylthio of l through 4 carbon atoms, cyano, or trifluoromethyl;

Z is hydrogen, halogen, methyl, ethyl, nitro, methoxy, or methylthio; and

Z is hydrogen, halogen, or methyl.

R is hydrogen, or a group where A is alkyl of 1 through 3 carbon atoms, or alkoxy or alkylthio of l through 4 carbon atoms or a cation selected from lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, barium, or

where R R and R; can be the same or different an each can be hydrogen, alkyl of 1 through 4 bon atoms, or hydroxy alkyl of 2 through 4 carbon atoms; and R is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 through l2 carbon atoms, or benzyl; R and R can be taken together to form a ring that is -(CH O(CH or (CH;),, where n is 4-6 and R and R are H, R is SR or OR, where and X and X are oxygen or sulfur. 17. Method ofclaim 16 wherein Y is hydrogen, halogen or methyl, Z is halogen and Q is hydrogen.

18. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 4-chl0rophenyl )-6-methylthio-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione.

19. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 4-chlorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione.

20. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3'( 4-bromophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione.

2|. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 3,4-difluorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione,

22. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione IS 2,4( lH,3H)-dione.

23. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 2-chlorophenyl )-6-methoxy-s-tria2ine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione.

24. Method of claim [7 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( lH,3H)-dione.

25. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine- 2,4( l H,3H)-dione.

26. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-( 2-methylphenyl )-o-methoxy-s-triazinc- 2,4( l H.3H )-dione.

27. Method of preventing inbreeding of crop plants to facilitate the production of hybrid seed which comprises applying an s-triazinedionc to the crop plant before anthesis in an amount sufficient to prevent self-fe rtilization but insufficient to cause substantial foliar burn, chlorosis, or necrosis, the s-triazinedione being a compound of the formula:

I! R; X1 R3 wherein R is 3-( 4-methylphenyl )-6-methoxy s-triazine- 5 wherein Y is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl of l through 4 carbon atoms, nitro, alkoxy of I through 4 carbon atoms. ulkylthio of I through 4 carbon atoms, cyano, or trifluoromethyl; Z is hydrogen, halogen, methy, ethyl. nitro, meth oxy, or methylthio; and Q is hydrogen, halogen, or methyl; R is hydrogen, or a group AC ll 0 l where A is alkyl of I through 3 carbon atoms or alkoxy or alkylthio of l through 4 carbon atoms, or a cation selected from lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, barium, or

where are H; R is SR or OR where and X and X are oxygen or sulfur.

28. Method of claim 27 where the crop is a cereal grain crop.

29. Method of claim 28 where the crop is com. 30. Method of claim 28 where the crop is rice.

31. Method of claim 28 where the crop is wheat.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 1 3, 898,073

DATED August 5, 1975 INVENTOR(5) David J. Fitzgerald and James D. Long It is certified that error appears in the aboverdentified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In claim 16, column 22, line 28 should read:

-- Q, is hydrogen, halogen or methyl;

and column 22, line 55 should read:

-- R is SR or 0R where R is methyl or ethyl, and

In claim 27, column 2 1, line 6, "methy" should be methyl and column 2 L, line 55 should read:

-- R is SR or 0R where R, is methyl or ethyl, and

Signed and sealed this thirte th [SEAL] D y Of Apnll976 A ttes r:

Cal s-SON C. MARSHALL DANN 3 mg jjrcer (mmnissimu'r uj'lalw'zls and Trademarks 

1. A METHOD FOR PREVENTING POLLEN SHED IN CROP PLANTS WHICH COMPRISES APPLYING AN S-TRIAZIONEDIONE TO THE PLANT IN AN AMOUNT WHICH IS EFFECTIVE TO PREVENT POLLEN SHED WITHOUT CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL FOLIAR BURN, CHLOROSIS, OR NECROSIS, THE S-TRIAZINEDIONE BEING A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA:
 2. Method of claim 1 wherein Y is hydrogen, halogen or methyl, Z is halogen and Q is hydrogen.
 3. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-(chlorophenyl)-6-methylthio-s-triazine- 2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 4. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 5. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-bromophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 6. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 7. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-methylphenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 8. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 9. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 10. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 11. Method of claim 2 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(2-methylphenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 12. Method of claim 1 where the crop is a cereal grain crop.
 13. Method of claim 12 where the crop is corn.
 14. Method of claim 12 where the crop is rice.
 15. Method of claim 12 where the crop is wheat.
 16. Method for preventing inbreeding of corn to facilitate the production of hybrid corn seed which comprises applying an s-triazinedione to the corn before or at tassel emergence in an amount sufficient to prevent self-fertilization but insufficient to cause substantial foliar burn, chlorosis, or necrosis, the s-triazinedione being a compound of the formula
 17. Method of claim 16 wherein Y is hydrogen, halogen or methyl, Z is halogen and Q is hydrogen.
 18. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methylthio-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 19. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 20. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-bromophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 21. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 22. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-methylphenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 23. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 24. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 25. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 26. Method of claim 17 wherein the s-triazinedione is 3-(2-methylphenyl)-6-methoxy-s-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
 27. Method of preventing inbreeding of crop plants to facilitate the production of hybrid seed which comprises applying an s-triazinedione to the crop plant before anthesis in an amount sufficient to prevent self-fertilization but insufficient to cause substantial foliar burn, chlorosis, or necrosis, the s-triazinedione being a compound of the formula:
 28. Method of claim 27 where the crop is a cereal grain crop.
 29. Method of claim 28 where the crop is corn.
 30. Method of claim 28 where the crop is rice.
 31. Method of claim 28 where the crop is wheat. 